FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams announced Wednesday evening he would return for his senior season, giving the Razorbacks and their fans a Christmas Eve present.
Williams posted a YouTube video to break the news, saying, "Hey Razorbacks fans, got a big announcement. I've done some talking with my family and done some praying and I'm real excited about the 2015 season.
"So I decided to come back for my senior year, and I just wanted to let you guys know. Merry Christmas."
Allen leads Arkansas and ranks fourth in the SEC with 1,085 rushing yards and has 11 rushing touchdowns. He and sophomore Alex Collins, who has 1,024 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, are the only pair of backs in the FBS this season to rush for 1,000 yards in the regular season.
Williams, of Allen, Texas, submitted paperwork for an evaluation from the NFL Draft advisory panel, as did two of his teammates, receiver Keon Hatcher and defensive tackle Darius Philon. Hatcher has said he plans to return, while Philon has not announced his decision. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft.
Williams said in a UA release that he wants to help bring Arkansas football "back where it belongs," and that he's had the support of Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema and running backs coach Joel Thomas throughout the exploratory process.
"My faith, family and education are very important to me and all three played a major role in my decision," Williams said in the release. "I have many goals that I want to pursue, on and off the field. Graduating from the University of Arkansas is very important to me, and I look forward to running through the 'A' again in 2015."
Bielema said he's excited for his players to pursue their NFL dreams.
"For Jonathan, that meant another year of growth on and off the field and a degree to carry him through life," Bielema said in a statement. "I'm excited to have him here for another year that will help take him to new heights."
Williams' 2,216 rushing yards ranks 11th in Arkansas' records and his 5.79 yards per carry is sixth.
The Razorbacks face Texas in the Texas Bowl at Houston's NRG Stadium on Monday at 8 p.m.
Sports on 12/25/2014